tasya vacanād rājā tuṣyāmāsa yaśasvinaḥ.
“The king was pleased with his words.”
Structure
tasya vacanāt rājā tuṣyāmāsa yaśasvinaḥ
rājā (king) tasya (his) vacanāt (word) tuṣyāmāsa (became pleased) yaśasvinaḥ (of glorious one)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| tasya | tasya | pronoun | genitive · singular · masculine | of him |
| vacanāt | vacanāt | noun | ablative · singular · masculine | from the words |
| rājā | rājā | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | the king |
| tuṣyāmāsa | tuṣyāmāsa | verb | √tuṣ · past tense · third | was pleased |
| yaśasvinaḥ | yaśasvinaḥ | adjective | — | illustrious one |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): In his commentary on the Brahma Sutras, Shankara explains the concept of 'tushti' or satisfaction as a state of being content with one's true nature. This verse from the Rāmāyaṇa highlights the king's satisfaction with the words of another, illustrating how external sources can bring about a sense of peace. Shankara would likely interpret this verse as an opportunity to reflect on the distinction between the individual self (jiva) and the ultimate reality (Brahman). The king's satisfaction with words, which are fleeting and ephemeral, serves as a reminder that true satisfaction can only be achieved through realizing one's true identity as Brahman. By extension, this verse points to the idea that the individual self is not separate from the ultimate reality, but rather an expression of it. As Shankara notes in his commentary on the Taittiriya Upanishad, 'The knowledge of Brahman is the means to attain the highest bliss and liberation.' This verse, in the context of non-dual Advaita Vedanta, encourages the reader to look beyond fleeting satisfactions and seek the eternal bliss that arises from realizing the Brahman-ātman identity.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): Ramanuja's commentary on the Bhagavad Gita emphasizes the importance of devotion and self-surrender to the divine. This verse from the Rāmāyaṇa illustrates the concept of 'tushti' as a devotional response to the words of a trusted advisor or spiritual guide. The king's satisfaction with the words of another can be seen as a metaphor for the devotee's surrender to the will of God. In this context, the verse highlights the relationship between the individual self (jiva) and the supreme Lord (Īśvara), where the devotee finds satisfaction and peace in following the divine will. As Ramanuja notes in his commentary on the Brahma Sutras, 'The Lord is the inner controller of all beings, and the devotee's satisfaction comes from surrendering to His will.' This verse, in the context of Vaiṣṇava devotionalism, encourages the reader to cultivate a sense of devotion and surrender to the divine, recognizing that true satisfaction and peace can only be achieved through a loving relationship with God.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekananda's lectures on the Bhagavad Gita emphasize the practical application of spiritual principles in everyday life. This verse from the Rāmāyaṇa highlights the importance of effective communication and the impact of words on others. The king's satisfaction with the words of another can be seen as a reminder of the power of positive and uplifting speech. As Vivekananda notes in his lecture on 'The Powers of the Mind,' 'Words have power, and the power of words can be used for good or evil.' This verse, in the context of contemporary life, encourages the reader to reflect on the importance of mindful communication and the impact of their words on others. By recognizing the power of words to inspire and uplift, individuals can cultivate a sense of responsibility and compassion in their interactions with others, leading to greater harmony and understanding in their personal and professional relationships. As Radhakrishnan notes in his book 'An Idealist View of Life,' 'The highest function of human speech is to inspire and to uplift, and it is this function that gives speech its true value and significance.'